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Clueless about Yoga

When I was still asking myself “If yoga is a jar, what would it contain? “, I thought that this Yoga jar definitely has something inside it.  Only, I could not tell what it was.

Star asked me if Yoga was a religion. I was stunned by the question. I did not really know the answer to it. I told Star that I am still a Catholic, and as far as I am concerned, I have not switched religion.  After that, I panicked and started reading up about Yoga from the internet. Do you know what I learned about Yoga from reading articles about it? Well, nothing much except to realize that the true meaning of Yoga is not something I can discover by reading about it. After that, I practiced and observed my classmates and teachers to try to discover what Yoga really means.

I learned that Yoga could be different things for different people. For some, Yoga could merely be a physical activity, a sport, a science of movement or art. For others, it could be a religion, a way of life or a philosophy. While Yoga could be treated merely as an exercise to get into shape, it has the potential of being so much more than that. The how much more depends on you.

“If Legazpi, Albay is a jar, what would it contain?” is a question I never asked myself the first two times I traveled to that place. It is probably because my Legazpi, Albay trips have never been planned vacations.

On this third trip with Boktor, I ventured on asking myself that question and found that my answer is this:  This jar called Legazpi, Albay contains an Elusive Superstar, a testament to the Filipino’s devotion to God, food trips galore, adventure and lessons in survival.

I heard on the news today that the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, otherwise known as Duch, began yesterday. Duch was the prison chief of Toul Sleng or S-21 and he is being charged with crimes against humanity.  As I was trying to learn more about the trial, I came across this, this and  this.  I am now interested in reading Nic Dunlop’s book about Duch called the Lost Executioner.  It seems like an interesting read.

I did not notice any picture of Duch displayed in Toul Sleng. I suppose it is inappropriate and disrespectfully to the victims to display the picture of the suspected torturer in Toul Sleng.  I have likewise never seen Duch  until I saw his picture on this website.  Just by looking at him, you would never imagine that Duch is capable of leading people, children in particular, in torturing and killing the prisoners of Toul Sleng. But, then again, people capable of atrocities would not look any different from us.

Assuming (I say assuming because all are innocent until proven guilty) Duch is guilty of the crimes he is accused of committing, I wonder how it is possible for him to sleep at night knowing people suffered and died under his hands.  I am greatly disturbed that people, myself included, are capable of unspeakable acts of cruelty.  How does one become so cruel is a question I have constantly asked myself since visiting Toul Sleng.  I am hoping the answer will teach me be compassionate and to never let myself be the source of other people’s suffering.

Cambodians, like many of us, are a paradox. They are brilliant builders, and at the same time, cruel destroyers.  

At the end of the journey, I again ask myself this question: “If Cambodia is a jar, what would it contain?” My answer:  Right now, Cambodia contains only hope. Hope that the horror of the Khmer Rouge atrocities would never be felt again and hope that the Cambodians would once again achieve the glories of their ancestors, the great builders of Angkor Wat.

Reality Check No. 4: The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

From the time Toe and D found out that we wanted to go to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, they kept asking us if we were certain we wanted to go. Padma knew that it would be an upsetting experience but she was determined to learn more about the Cambodian people. While I doubted whether I could stomach the experience, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to go Toul Sleng with Padma. My only condition was that no guide should accompany us. I did not want to hear anecdotes of the Khmer Rouge atrocities from the guide.

Despite all mental and emotional preparation for the visit to the museum, what I saw and experienced in Toul Sleng greatly disturbs me until today. I ask myself whether human beings are capable of such evil. (more…)

Reality Check No. 3: Taking a Bath in the Public Garden

The Cambodian National Museum is located near the Cambodian Royal Palace and houses items from temples across Cambodia. Padma and I enjoyed sitting on the veranda of the National Museum that over-looked the park. For some reason, I felt like I was in Ilocos looking out from one of the old buildings in the plaza.

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Reality Check No. 2: The Cambodian Royal Palace

The Cambodian Royal Palace is a huge complex with several buildings.  One of the more popular buildings is the Silver Pagoda, which is tiled with 5000 silver tiles weighing one kilo each. The Silver Pagoda houses a number of national treasures most of which were displayed in the open or in simple glass cases. (more…)

Toe and her husband, D, are diplomats who, at the time we visited Cambodia, were assigned in Phnom Penh. You can read more about Toe, her Cambodian experience, her kuro-kuro at iba pa by clicking on this. 

When Toe found out we were going to Cambodia, she and D graciously extended us an invitation to stay at their place.  I wanted to get Toe and D something special. As I was not quite sure of what they needed, I e-mailed Toe to get a sense of what she wanted. Of course, Toe asked for the impossible. She wanted Kentucky Fried Chicken!  Since Siem Reap was our first stop, I could not conceive of a way of keeping fried chicken edible until we get to Phnom Penh. It therefore came as a relief when Toe later told me to bring Purefoods Corned Beef instead. Apparently, this is D’s favorite. So I arrived in Phnom Penh with my overnight bag stuffed with several cans of Purefoods Corned Beef and my special surprise for Toe and D – Poppycock and chocolate covered potato chips. (more…)

Today I will take a deep breath, pause and exhale all that is negative within me. Tomorrow, I will tell you about my trip to Phnom Penh.

On hindsight, the Siem Reap experience is indeed a Magical Mystical Tour.